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New York State

Obituaries
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Brewster: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Brewster: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed'
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Brewster: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' A Hudson Valley police department is mourning the line-of-duty loss of a beloved sergeant who collapsed and died mere moments after completing his shift.  In a statement on Saturday, April 20, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the death of Brewster Police Sergeant Richard Gurniak, who collapsed after hanging up his keys after his shift during the early morning hours on Saturday.  Despite efforts to save his life from a fellow Brewster officer and two members of the Sheriff's Office, Gurniak later died at Putnam Hospital from a heart attack at the age of 57. A…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Click here for an updated story: Six Woodbourne Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights Several New York prison inmates are suing the state over a planned lockdown at correctional facilities during the upcoming total solar eclipse. The federal lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of New York on Friday, March 29, on behalf of six inmates who are incarcerated at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. It states that although they come from varying backgrounds and hold different religious beliefs, “they have each expressed a sincerely held r…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners New York lawmakers are considering legislation targeting illegal squatters amid recent disturbing incidents involving homeowners that garnered national attention. The bill from Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, whose 15th District represents parts of Nassau County, adds squatters to the definition of criminal trespass. It also extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession. Under current New York State law, squatters are classified as tenants and receive temporary rights after living in a property for 30 days. If a squatter claims to be a tenant, the…

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by Michael Mashburn
Obituaries
Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Kent Dies Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Kent Dies
Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Kent Dies A Hudson Valley fire department has announced the loss of one of its active members.  The death of Robert McDonald, a member of the Kent Fire Department in Putnam County, was announced by the department on Saturday, March 2.  McDonald was a past lieutenant with the department and was also a New York State fire instructor. According to the department, McDonald taught countless volunteers in Putnam. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," the department wrote in a social media post on Saturday. Details about services for McDonald have not yet been announced. Chec…

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by Ben Crnic
News
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says New York State is suing the world’s largest beef producer, claiming it lied about its environmental impacts in order to boost sales. A lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 28, accuses JBS USA Food Company of deceptive business practices and false advertising. According to James’ office, the company has repeatedly misled the public by claiming it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production and grow its carbon footprint. In 2021, the JBS Group reported total global greenh…

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by Michael Mashburn
Sports
'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island 'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island
'Blatantly Illegal': Nyag Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island An executive order on Long Island banning transgender women and girls from participating in sports at public facilities was given five days to be rescinded, according to New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “This executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal.” On Friday, March 1, just over a week after Nassau County Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order prohibiting transgender women (those assigned male at birth) from playing in women’s sports, James — who had quickly condemned the act — officially submitted a cease-and-desist against the order. Original Report:&nbs…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Officials In Hudson Valley Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials In Hudson Valley Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line
Officials In Hudson Valley Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials in the Hudson Valley are calling on the MTA to undertake a study on the feasibility of providing direct access to Penn Station from the Hudson Line.  In a letter addressed to MTA Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber, Westchester County Executive George Latimer called on the transportation agency to conduct a study on having direct one-seat access to Manhattan's Penn Station from the Hudson Line, Latimer announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  "The advantages of such a connection are abundant," Latimer wrote in the latter, adding, "Improved transportation links would …

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by Ben Crnic
News
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why According to a new report ranking the US states on a scale of the best places to raise a family, New York State ranks among the top 10. New York State is one of the best states in the country to raise a family — according to a study released on Monday, Jan. 8 by WalletHub, which ranked the Empire State as number five. The personal finance company used the following metrics to score each of the 50 states, then take the totals to complete a final ranking: Family fun (including the share of children who live near a park, share of families with young children, number of attractions, and mo…

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by Sophie Grieser
Politics
Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll) Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll)
Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll) After looming high above New York’s capital city for nearly a century, this local landmark may have finally worn out her welcome. Members of the Albany County Legislature are calling for Albany’s 11-story Central Warehouse building to be demolished following years of repeated failed attempts to rehabilitate the building. In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state and federal leaders, Legislators Frank Mauriello and Paul Burgdorf requested that any public funds spent on “Albany’s greatest eyesore” go toward tearing it down and “starting from scratch.” “Though it once served as ‘an imp…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant'
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' As a powerful Nor'easter threatens to dump inches of snow and a wintry mix on much of New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to prepare for power outages and travel hazards posed by the white stuff.  According to Hochul, the large coastal weather system is predicted to hit New York late Saturday, Jan. 6, and continue into Sunday, Jan. 7, bringing anywhere from 3 to 12 inches of snow to parts of the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Central New York, and a mix of snow and rain to New York City and Long Island. Winter storm watches are in effect throughout New York S…

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by Ben Crnic
News
First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Hudson Valley: Here's Where First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Hudson Valley: Here's Where
First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Hudson Valley: Here's Where The first adult-use cannabis dispensary in the Hudson Valley has officially opened for business. The new Westchester County dispensary, Elevate, opened in Mount Vernon on Monday, Dec. 11 at 127 South Terrace Ave., New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, Dec. 14. The new adult-use facility joins 37 other dispensaries across New York State that are expected to be open by the end of the year, according to Hochul. "As New York expands the most equitable cannabis market in the nation, my administration remains committed to building a safe industry for all New Yorkers that will grow our …

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by Ben Crnic
News
These Dutchess County Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project These Dutchess County Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project
These Dutchess County Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project Thanks to $100 million in new funding, over 560 miles of roadway across the state of New York will be repaved to make them more resilient to freak weather events. The $100 million investment, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, will support repaving projects on nearly 568 miles of busy roadways throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Long Island, and more.  Hochul said the effort comes as a result of severe weather that has been battering the state more and more.  "From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which hav…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY A brand-new law that has just launched means motorists on some of New York's busiest roadways may find themselves on the receiving end of automated speeding tickets. The five-year program which has been rolled this year is a joint effort by State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Thruway Authority (NYSTA). to enhance the state’s ongoing efforts to slow motorists down in work zones. The so-called Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program is the result of legislation signed into law by Gov, Kathy Hochul in September 2021.  On Monday, Nov 20, work-zone speed units wer…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving 'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving As millions of New Yorkers prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, health officials are urging people to remember the tenants of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Department works hard all year long to ensure the safety of our food supply at our stores and food manufacturing facilities, but food safety is also so important at home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. “We urge everyone who is cooking for their loved ones this Thanksgiv…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Scam Alert: Don't Believe Call From 'Officer Johnson,' Sheriff From Region Says Scam Alert: Don't Believe Call From 'Officer Johnson,' Sheriff From Region Says
Scam Alert: Don't Believe Call From 'Officer Johnson,' Sheriff From Region Says Another phone scam is making the rounds in the region.  This time, this caller is "Officer Johnson," claiming to be from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. "Officer Johnson" claims to be from the Sheriff’s Office and tells the victim that there is a warrant that has been issued for the victim’s arrest because they failed to report for jury duty, said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office He then advises the victim that they can avoid arrest if they pay a fine over the phone. The victim is then instructed to purchase a prepaid debit card and provide the …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul $75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul As a response to the rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic crimes across New York State stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to keep New Yorkers safe. Earlier report: 21-Year-Old Accused Of Threatening To Shoot, Stab, Rape Jewish Students On Campus At Cornell The announcement came on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Hochul, utilizing all available state resources, declared a multi-branched plan aimed at limiting the number of hate and bias crimes, which she says have risen since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. “Let me be clear: we cannot…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists With the arrival of fall, there is an increased risk of crashes involving deer, both the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are warning motorists. Deer are most active and more likely to enter public roadways this time of year as they search for mates during their breeding season, which is the months of October, November, and December. According to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, in 2022, 41.5 percent of the crashes between deer and vehicles occurred during this three-month…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Area Car Crash 24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Area Car Crash
24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Area Car Crash Authorities are investigating a two-crash crash in the region that killed a 24-year-old man. The Albany County wreck happened at around 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the hamlet of Loudonville, according to Colonie Police. Investigators said Nicholas Camilli, of Loudonville, was driving his motorcycle northbound on Old Niskayuna Road when a car made a left turn in front of him near W. Cobble Hill Road. Camilli struck the car and was fatally injured. The driver of the other vehicle, a 79-year-old Loudonville man, was not injured. Old Niskayuna Road was closed near the crash scene for fo…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool' Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool'
Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool' Billy Joel’s current hometown in New York has him feelin’ alright after honoring the musician with his very own street. The Piano Man himself, age 74, was on hand for a ceremony on Long Island Thursday, Oct, 19 in Oyster Bay, to unveil the new Billy Joel Way. New signage will replace a section of Audrey Avenue, located in the downtown area in front of Joel’s shop “20th Century Cycles.” Speaking to a large crowd gathered under the clear blue sky, Joel recalled how his mother would often bring him to Oyster Bay as a child growing up in the hamlet of Hicksville. He remembered thinking of th…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
This Dutchess County Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says This Dutchess County Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says
This Dutchess County Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says Those in search of New York’s best pizza need look no further than these favored restaurants, according to a new report. After seeking out the “crunchiest, cheesiest, and freshest options” from across the state, I Love New York included the following pizzerias in its “11 of the Best Pizza Places in New York State” roundup: Capital Region Albany & Rensselaer counties: DeFazio’s in Albany and Troy I Love New York praised this eatery for its six different dough options, including one made from brown ale. “Add that to the plentiful topping combinations and high-quality cheeses and you’…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds
Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds Fewer New Yorkers are being diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers. A new report released by the state health department Thursday, Sept. 14, found that several of the cancers most often associated with smoking declined throughout the state between 2016 and 2020. Incident rates of esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancer - those most closely related to tobacco use - steeply declined both in New York City and elsewhere in the state, the report found. Rates of oral cancer, however, increased by 1.3 percent each year between 2006 and 2020 among those living in New York City. Researchers also no…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley COVID-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley
Covid-19 Cases On Rise: Spike Reported In Hudson Valley Health officials are urging residents in a Hudson Valley county to take precautions as COVID-19 cases rise, which has caused an increase in hospitalizations.  The spike in COVID-19 has been seen in Putnam County, which has experienced a 113 percent rise in cases since the previous reporting week, the county's Department of Health announced on Friday, Sept. 8.  According to county health officials, reported cases increased from 69 to 147. Additionally, Putnam Hospital has seen eight admissions as a result of the virus, which is the highest number since February, according to the de…

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by Ben Crnic
Traffic
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Gov. Kathy Hochul, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday weekend, announced the suspension of all construction-related lane closures across the state. From 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, all temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects across New York State will be suspended, the governor announced on Friday, Sept. 1. The decision is meant to ease travel congestion over Labor Day Weekend, Hochul said. “From our scenic trails to our world-class state parks, New York is home to some of the best places to celebrate Labor Day weekend,” she sa…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport 'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport
'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport For the fourth time this year, security screeners stopped a man from carrying a loaded gun onto a plane at Albany International Airport. Agents made the discovery during a routine x-ray screening of the traveler’s carry-on bag Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced. The Rensselaer County man, of Johnsonville, was found to have a 9mm handgun that was loaded with five bullets. Albany County Sheriff’s deputies confiscated the weapon. Earlier Report: 'Stiff Penalty' For Traveler Caught With Loaded Gun At Albany Airport Transportation officials said the…

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by Michael Mashburn
Weather
Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY
Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY A total of six tornadoes have been confirmed in New York State this week, accounting for 40 percent of the twisters in the Eastern US during separate rounds of storms on Monday, Aug. 7 and Tuesday, Aug. 8. Though five of those six were characterized as being "weak" on the Enhanced Fujita scale, there was one twister rated as "strong," according to the National Weather Service. It touched down in northern New York in Lewis County, about 35 miles south of Watertown, and traveled 16 miles. It was rated as an EF-3, making it the strongest of the 15 tornadoes in the Eastern US this week. T…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms
Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms A tornado touched down in New York State during a round of severe storms this week, the National Weather Service has announced following a survey of the damage. It traveled 11 miles northeasterly in Cortland and Tompkins counties from 5:13 p.m. to 5:36 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7. Its highest wind speed was 90 miles per hour and its maximum width was 200 yards as it moved from the town of Harford in Cortland County to the village of McGraw in Tompkins County. (Click on the second image above to view the path.) The twister was rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, the second-weakest of th…

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by Joe Lombardi
Traffic
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend In anticipation of the upcoming July 4th holiday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the suspension of construction-related lane closures throughout the state. From 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 1 to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects across New York State, the governor announced on Thursday, June 29. The decision will ease congestion for those traveling for the Fourth of July weekend, Hochul said. “We want to ensure people get to their destinations with minimal delays," she said in a statement. "I encourage everyone traveling this holida…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY As smoke from Canadian wildfires moves east, every part of New York State will be covered in unhealthy air, according to authorities and new forecasts. On Wednesday, June 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the air quality health advisory has now been extended to the entire state of New York, now including eastern parts of state, as smoke continues to worsen and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels. Related: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area According to the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health, a…

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by Sophie Grieser
Lifestyle
Casting Call: Hit HBO Show Searching For Actors In Hudson Valley Casting Call: Hit HBO Show Searching For Actors In Hudson Valley
Casting Call: Hit HBO Show Searching For Actors In Hudson Valley A popular HBO show is looking for actors from the region for the its new season. Grant Wilfley Casting is searching for twin babies to portray a 6-month-old daughter for scenes in “Pretty Little Liars,” according to the casting call. GWC is looking for talent in the Orange County area, and this is where scenes are scheduled to be shot on Wednesday, July 12. In addition, actors (and their parents) should be prepared for two travel days into Manhattan on Tuesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 13. The production will provide transportation. Those applying should note their children’s ages – …

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by Sophie Grieser
Traffic
All New York Construction-Related Closures Paused For Memorial Day Weekend All New York Construction-Related Closures Paused For Memorial Day Weekend
All New York Construction-Related Closures Paused For Memorial Day Weekend Lane closures due to construction will be temporarily paused across New York State in the hopes of easing travel over Memorial Day weekend. On Thursday, May 25, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that temporary lane closures on New York State highways will be paused to accommodate holiday travel. The construction will be suspended starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 26, and will last through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30. "Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and New Yorkers across the state will be hitting the road to enjoy time with friends and family," Governor Hochul said…

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by Sophie Grieser