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Westchester County, NY

AD At School District In Westchester Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen AD At School District In Westchester Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
AD At School District In Westchester Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen This story has been updated. An athletic director at a school district in Westchester County has been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly extorting a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos. Thomas James Puccini, 28 years old and employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics by the Eastchester Union Free School District, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 1. He was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree and was arraigned in White Plains City Court by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Puccini has been pla…
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Westchester District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Westchester District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Westchester District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico The race for New York's 17th District seat is drawing national attention, as it may play a large role in what party ends up securing a majority in the House, according to a new report by Politico. The race between incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler, a 38-year-old Republican, and Democrat Mondaire Jones, age 37, has been labeled a "race to watch" by Politico in a new report from Sunday, Oct. 27.  The 17th District consists of all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County. According to the outlet, the seat is one of a handf…
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Northern Westchester Shooting Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Northern Westchester Shooting
Community Rallies To Support Family Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Northern Westchester Shooting Although the family rocked by a Northern Westchester shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead faces a long, arduous road of healing and recovery, they will not go it alone thanks to the generosity of their community.  The shooting happened at around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, when Fernando Jimenez, age 40, shot his girlfriend and her two children with an illegally possessed handgun in the Baldwin Place section of Somers during a domestic dispute, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report - Name Released Of 15-Year-Old Killed In Somers Shooting That Led To …
Westchester Tightens Road Repaving Standards To Stop 'Patch Jobs' Westchester Tightens Road Repaving Standards To Stop 'Patch Jobs'
Westchester Tightens Road Repaving Standards To Stop 'Patch Jobs' To address incomplete road repairs left behind by private companies, Westchester County will be enforcing new legislation that raises repaving standards.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Westchester County Executive George Latimer revealed that he signed into law a new amendment to Chapter 813 of the Westchester County Laws involving repaving on county roads by private contractors. The new legislation will require companies performing work on county roads to perform curb-to-curb replacement instead of spot repaving, making sure that construction ends with streets in safe…
Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program
Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program To help ensure the safety of young trick-or-treaters in Westchester on Halloween night, county officials will be requiring registered sex offenders to attend a program intended to keep them off the streets. In an announcement on Monday, Oct. 28, Westchester officials said more than 100 registered and non-registered sex offenders on probation within the county will have to attend an educational program at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The program is intended to teach offenders about the impact of their actions and …
Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police
Rooftop Burglar From Westchester Charged In Overnight NJ Spree: Police A 40-year-old Westchester County, NY man was arrested in Bergen County, NJ after police linked him to a string of commercial burglaries, they said. Marlon A. Stewart, of Mount Vernon, burglarized three commercial properties from the roof in Closter overnight on Aug. 29, Closter Police Capt. Vincent Aiello said. In one incident, Stewart removed a large safe and threw it out of a second-floor window and into the borough parking lot, Aiello said. Following a lengthy investigation, Stewart was identified as a suspect in these burglaries, and others in CT and NY, the captain said. It was not im…
Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud
Former Congressional Candidate From Westchester Gets Years In Prison For Fraud A former congressional candidate from Westchester who once held several leadership positions in county and city government will spend several years in prison for stealing restaurant workers' wages and using them for himself.  Mount Vernon resident Derickson Lawrence, age 67, who unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat to represent New York's 16th Congressional District in 2018 and 2016, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for defrauding his payroll company's client and a COVID-19 relief program, according to court documents.  Lawrence had been the chief…
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In These Westchester Locales To protect motorists on New York roads, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the creation of a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley and the expansion of other initiatives across the state.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Hochul revealed that she signed legislation to extend several existing red light camera programs in Westchester, Albany, and Nassau counties.  The legislation also includes the "largest expansion" of the red light camera program in New York City's history, Hochul's office said. "The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority and we know that …
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings Nearly a dozen districts in Westchester will be participating in an all-new enforcement program that will use artificial intelligence to catch those who illegally pass stopped school buses, officials announced.  In an announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled a new school bus stop-arm photo program meant to reduce the number of illegal passing.  According to Latimer, every vehicle in participating school districts' fleets will be equipped with cameras that will use AI to detect cars that pass stopped buses. The equipment will be provide…
Mondaire Jones Slams Westchester Rep. Lawler For Trump Support After Report He Praised Hitler Mondaire Jones Slams Westchester Rep. Lawler For Trump Support After Report He Praised Hitler
Mondaire Jones Slams Westchester Rep. Lawler For Trump Support After Report He Praised Hitler Mondaire Jones is not holding back his criticism of his opponent in the race for New York's 17th Congressional District seat, Rep. Mike Lawler, for his support of former President Donald Trump despite his longest-serving chief of staff saying he meets the definition of a fascist.  Jones, a Democrat, made comments against Lawler, a Republican, following remarks made by former Trump chief of staff and four-star Marine general John Kelly, who told The New York Times that Trump "certainly falls into the general definition of fascist."  According to the Times, Kelly also said that Trum…
Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race
Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race A new poll shows Democrat Josh Riley with a four-point lead in the hotly contested 19th Congressional District 19 race against Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro. The poll, produced by SurveyUSA for News Channel 13 in Albany, found the two in a tight race but with the potential for a different result from the showdown between the same candidates two years ago. In 2022, Molinaro beat Riley by 1.6 points, or 4,500 votes. District 19 includes all of Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counti…
Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester
Iconic Longtime Bakery To Reopen After Devastating Fire In Westchester A more than 80-year-old Westchester County bakery has announced that it will be reopening following a damaging fire that forced it to close for months.  Delite Bake Shop, located in Yonkers at 773 Yonkers Ave., will reopen to customers on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6 a.m. and return to its normal business hours.  The reopening comes months after a fire tore through the building on Saturday, July 13 around 12:30 a.m., according to the store's owner, Eric Jeraci.  Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze, as it had happened when the bakery was closed. Still, the fire caused…
Fugitive Caught, Returned To Westchester After Fleeing Jail Sentence For Over 40 Years Fugitive Caught, Returned To Westchester After Fleeing Jail Sentence For Over 40 Years
Fugitive Caught, Returned To Westchester After Fleeing Jail Sentence For Over 40 Years A man convicted for a Westchester County robbery is finally facing justice after fleeing his jail sentence for his home country more than four decades ago, police announced.  Noel Hernandez, age 64, was flown back to Westchester on Friday, Oct. 18 to serve his jail sentence for a robbery in January 1981, the Westchester County Police Department said on Tuesday, Oct. 22.  According to the department, Hernandez was charged with first-degree robbery by Yonkers Police and was later convicted at trial in June 1982. However, he fled the country before his sentencing, heading to his…
Crash Shuts Down Roadway Near High School In Westchester: Developing Crash Shuts Down Roadway Near High School In Westchester: Developing
Crash Shuts Down Roadway Near High School In Westchester: Developing A busy road near a Westchester County high school is closed following a multi-car crash, authorities announced.  King Street in Rye Brook is currently closed in both directions between Hillandale Road and Glenville Street, the Rye Brook Police Department announced on Wednesday, Oct. 23 around 11 a.m.  The crash happened near Blind Brook High School and will likely cause the road to be closed for "an extended period of time," according to the Port Chester Fire Department. Details about the crash have not yet been released. This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for…
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest
Here's How Westchester's Sean Combs Broke Social Media Silence After Sex Trafficking Arrest Almost a month after his arrest for federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has broken his silence on his social media pages.  On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a post appeared an on Instagram page belonging to Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon and will stand trial in May for federal charges.  Although the post is the first to be made following Combs's arrest, it does not address the allegations against him; instead, it celebrates the birthday of the embattled star's young 2-yea…
Westchester Doctor Admits To Selling Thousands Of Oxycodone Pills For Cash Westchester Doctor Admits To Selling Thousands Of Oxycodone Pills For Cash
Westchester Doctor Admits To Selling Thousands Of Oxycodone Pills For Cash A 71-year-old Westchester County doctor has admitted to prescribing addictive oxycodone pills without any real medical purpose in exchange for cash, federal officials said.  Larchmont resident Mordechai Bar, who practiced in New Rochelle, pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges on Monday, Oct. 21, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced.  According to federal officials, between January 2023 and June 2024, Bar prescribed oxycodone, a Schedule II narcotic, without a legitimate medical purpose and "outside of the usual cours…
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House As Election Day draws closer, political pundits are closely watching three New York congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year. Freshmen Republican Reps. Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Anthony D’Esposito – supporters of former President Donald Trump in districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 – are all hoping for repeat wins in November. Here’s a closer look at their races. Mondaire Jones (left) and Rep. Mike Lawler. Campaign Facebook Pages 17th District: Lawler vs. Jones Lawler, whose 17th District represents all of Rockland and Pu…
Shootings, Murders, Other Crimes In Decline In Westchester, Officials Say Shootings, Murders, Other Crimes In Decline In Westchester, Officials Say
Shootings, Murders, Other Crimes In Decline In Westchester, Officials Say Westchester residents can breathe a little easier—crime rates are in decline across the county, including shootings, murders, and robberies, according to officials.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services showing a decline in crime rates.  According to the report, year-to-date shootings are down 34.5 percent from 29 shootings in January to September 2023 to 19 shootings in January to September 2024. This means there were 2.1 shootings per month in 2024, t…
Indoor Tennis, Pickleball Club To Open First Suburban Location At Westchester Shopping Center Indoor Tennis, Pickleball Club To Open First Suburban Location At Westchester Shopping Center
Indoor Tennis, Pickleball Club To Open First Suburban Location At Westchester Shopping Center Tennis and pickleball players, grab your rackets and paddles—a new indoor facility is set to open its doors at a Westchester County shopping center.  Court 16, a New York City-based boutique indoor tennis and pickleball club, signed a lease for a new 16,500-square-foot indoor facility at the Ridge Hill shopping center in Yonkers, the club announced this week. The facility, the club's first suburban location and the first to open in Westchester, will be next to D1 Training across from Whole Foods and is set to open in the summer of 2025. According to the owners, the club offers state-o…
Nominate Your Favorite Westchester County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Westchester County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Westchester County Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Westchester County! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Westchester? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist who always gets your look just righ…
$385.15M 2025 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go $385.15M 2025 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go
$385.15M 2025 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go Westchester County Executive George Latimer has released the details of his proposed 2025 Capital Budget, which requests over $385 million in new appropriations.  The proposed budget, announced by Latimer on Tuesday, Oct. 15, includes $385.15 million in investments in affordable housing, roads and bridges, sewer and water systems, flood mitigation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and parks and recreation.  According to Latimer, the budget reflects the work his administration has done to "strengthen public services and modernize infrastructure across Westchester County."  "T…
Former Juvenile Center Employee Had Sex With Teen At Westchester Campus: Here's Her Sentence Former Juvenile Center Employee Had Sex With Teen At Westchester Campus: Here's Her Sentence
Former Juvenile Center Employee Had Sex With Teen At Westchester Campus: Here's Her Sentence A 28-year-old woman has received her sentence for having sex with a 16-year-old at the Westchester County juvenile center she once worked at, officials announced.  Yonkers resident Rebecca Jean-Baptiste was sentenced to a 10-year mandatory probation period with sex offender conditions for third-degree rape in connection with an incident that happened at the Dobbs Ferry Children's Village campus, the Westchester County DA's Office said on Tuesday, Oct. 15.  According to the DA's Office, in late 2021, Jean-Baptiste had sex with a 16-year-old resident of the New York C…
21-Year-Old Jumps From New Tappan Zee Bridge Near Tarrytown 21-Year-Old Jumps From New Tappan Zee Bridge Near Tarrytown
21-Year-Old Jumps From New Tappan Zee Bridge Near Tarrytown This story has been updated. A 21-year-old man jumped midspan from the new Tappan Zee Bridge and was rescued from the water. The incident occurred on the Westchester/Rockland County border around 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. According to the Tarrytown Fire Department, the Marine 5 crew responded within minutes, equipped with rescue swimmers onboard. The crew quickly located the victim in the water, loaded the man into the boat, and brought them back to the Tarrytown Marina.  The department said they were cared for by EMS there before being transferred to Westchester Medical Center in…
Here's How Westchester's Luxury Housing Market In Q3 2024 Compared To Hudson Valley Counties Here's How Westchester's Luxury Housing Market In Q3 2024 Compared To Hudson Valley Counties
Here's How Westchester's Luxury Housing Market In Q3 2024 Compared To Hudson Valley Counties A new report has revealed a growing number of luxury home sales in the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County during the third quarter of 2024.  In markets north of New York City, including the Hudson Valley counties of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess as well as Fairfield County, luxury home sales have experienced a sharp uptick, according to Houlihan Lawrence's Q3 Luxury Market Report.  The report, released on Thursday, Oct. 10, revealed that the percentage of these sales increased by double digits in each county and was concentrated in the lower end of the luxury markets.  T…
City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center
City In Westchester Reveals Plans For Redesigned Transit Center Officials in a Westchester County city are giving residents a sneak peek of plans to redesign its downtown transit center into a more pedestrian-oriented facility.  In an announcement on Thursday, Oct. 10, New Rochelle unveiled the new design for the city's transit center, which would change it into a more "modern, well-connected hub," officials said.  The city's transit center, located in the heart of downtown New Rochelle, currently serves as the busiest station on the Metro-North New Haven Line in New York outside of New York City. it provides access to places such as Yonkers, …
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report
Here's When Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Stand Trial For Sex Trafficking: Report Hip hop mogul and New York native Sean Combs has learned when he will stand trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, according to a report by The New York Times.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, will stand trial in May 2025 following his arrest on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, The New York Times reported.  The trial's starting date, Monday, May 5, was set by Judge Arun Subramanian of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York, the newspaper ad…
New Update: No Criminality Found After Threat Prompts Lockout At HS In Westchester New Update: No Criminality Found After Threat Prompts Lockout At HS In Westchester
New Update: No Criminality Found After Threat Prompts Lockout At HS In Westchester An investigation into a possible social media threat against a student that prompted a lockout at a Westchester County high school found no criminality, police said.  Information regarding the threat was originally found by Port Chester High School staff members on Tuesday, Oct. 8, causing the building to be placed on a temporary lockout as a precaution, according to Port Chester Police.  Earlier Report - Threat Against Student Prompts Lockout At Port Chester High School A resulting police investigation resulted in the identification of a person of interest, who was later in…
Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report
Here's How 2024 Q3 Housing Market In Westchester Compared To Hudson Valley Counties: Report Although those shopping for a home in the Hudson Valley finally have more inventory to choose from, this has not decreased prices, according to a new report.  According to the Houlihan Lawrence Westchester-Putnam Dutchess Q3 Market Report released on Tuesday, Oct. 8, real estate markets in the three counties are experiencing an increase in available listings, the first major shift in more than three years.  This follows an extended period of reduced inventory as a result of high demand, the report said. According to the report, listings in Westchester increased by an average…
Restaurant Announces Closure In Northern Westchester Restaurant Announces Closure In Northern Westchester
Restaurant Announces Closure In Northern Westchester After half a decade, a restaurant in Northern Westchester has announced its upcoming end.  In a social media post on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 140 Grand in Croton-on-Hudson revealed it would be permanently closing its doors on Sunday, Oct. 13.  The eatery, located at 140 Grand St., did not give a specific reason for its closure but thanked those who had stopped by since its opening.  "We thank you for all the support and love we received over the last five years," the owner wrote in their post, adding, "We definitely made great use of this location."  The restaurant's kitchen i…
Trio Nabbed With Cocaine, Crystal Meth On I-87 In Westchester: Police Trio Nabbed With Cocaine, Crystal Meth On I-87 In Westchester: Police
Trio Nabbed With Cocaine, Crystal Meth On I-87 In Westchester: Police Three men were apprehended after they were caught with hundreds of grams of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine on an interstate in Westchester, police announced. The traffic stop happened on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at around 5:30 p.m., when authorities stopped a Nissan Altima on Interstate 87 in Ardsley after they saw it allegedly violate vehicle and traffic laws, New York State Police said on Friday, Oct. 4.  The three people inside the car, all Bronx residents, were found with around 412 grams of cocaine and 378 grams of crystal methamphetamine, police said. They were identified as:  …
Northern Westchester Power Couple Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Riding High After Blockbusters Northern Westchester Power Couple Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Riding High After Blockbusters
Northern Westchester Power Couple Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Riding High After Blockbusters A New York couple you have heard of is riding high, with each starring in blockbuster movies released about the same time this summer. After actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively married in 2012, they decided to call Northern Westchester County home, moving to the same town -- Bedford -- where iconic television personality Martha Stewart has lived for decades. Shortly after, Reynolds, age 47, and the 37-year-old Lively bought a new multi-million dollar estate tucked away in a wooded area of neighboring Pound Ridge. But it's not as if they've had much time to spend around the house. Lively…