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New York State

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 Concerns: NY Seeing Rise In Cases 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
Squatters Target Of Nassau Co. Assemblyman's Bill Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners Squatters Target Of Nassau Co. Assemblyman's Bill Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners
Squatters Target Of Nassau Co. Assemblyman's Bill 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
News
New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Long Island Woman Found New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Long Island Woman Found
New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Long Island Woman Found Update: A Long Island woman who went gone missing has been found. Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for Amanda Ardle, age 29, of Ridge, who was last seen leaving her home on Thursday, March 21 at approximately 7:15 p.m. Late Friday afternoon, March 22, police announced that she "has been located, unharmed." Original report: A Long Island woman has gone missing and authorities are asking the public's help in locating her. Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for Amanda Ardle, age 29, of Ridge, who was last seen leaving her home on Thursday, March 21 a…

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by Joe Lombardi
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 Nassau County Transgender Athlete Ban 'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Nassau County Transgender Athlete Ban
'Blatantly Illegal': Nyag Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Nassau County Transgender Athlete Ban 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
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
News
Nor'easter Nears: Hochul Warns LIers To Prepare For Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigil Nor'easter Nears: Hochul Warns LIers To Prepare For Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigil
Nor'easter Nears: Hochul Warns LIers To Prepare For Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigil 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
Business
New Legal Marijuana Dispensary In Farmingdale Sets Opening Date New Legal Marijuana Dispensary In Farmingdale Sets Opening Date
New Legal Marijuana Dispensary In Farmingdale Sets Opening Date The second legal, adult-use dispensary on Long Island has a tentative opening date, officials said. Happy Days Dispensary, located at 105 Route 109 in Farmingdale, is slated to open Saturday, Dec. 23, according to an announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul — though that date isn't set in stone, the governor clarified.  As the second legal dispensary to open on Long Island since Strain Stars opened in July, also in Farmingdale, Happy Days joins the 37 other adult-use stores expected to open up shop in New York State in 2023. Alongside the caption, “By the locals. For the locals,” Happy Day…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
$800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients $800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients
$800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients A former Long Island attorney has confessed to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from several of his clients. Douglas Valente, age 57, of Florida, pleaded guilty to three counts of grand larceny in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Valente was formerly the principal attorney at the Valente Law Group based in Stony Brook. Earlier Report: Syosset Attorney Steals $200K From Clients, Including Lottery Winner: DA He admitted that between April 2020 and September 2022, he stole more than $829,000 from three clients, according to the Suffolk County DA’s office. An inv…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
These Long Island Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project These Long Island Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project
These Long Island 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 On Long Island, Elsewhere In NY Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect On Long Island, Elsewhere In NY
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect On Long Island, 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
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
Lifestyle
Oyster Bay's Own Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool' Oyster Bay's Own Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool'
Oyster Bay's Own Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street 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 Long Island Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says This Long Island Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says
This Long Island 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
Disinformation Spreads On LI Amid Israel-Hamas War, Calls For Social Media Change In NY Disinformation Spreads On LI Amid Israel-Hamas War, Calls For Social Media Change In NY
Disinformation Spreads On LI Amid Israel-Hamas War, Calls For Social Media Change In NY While communities grieve and New York officials call for social media companies to tamp down on hateful content, false information about the Israel-Hamas war has spread at a rapid pace — even at home on Long Island. It started with a simple post on X (formerly known as Twitter) by CBS New York reporter Tim McNicholas on Wednesday, Oct. 11. McNicholas, an investigative journalist who has worked in the industry for years, posted a video showing that his car was stuck on the Cross Bronx Expressway near Throgs Neck thanks to a driver who “decided it was time to do some donuts,” as he put it. …

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by Sophie Grieser
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
Police & Fire
DWI Crackdown: Over 500 Tickets Issued To Long Island Drivers Labor Day Weekend, Police Say DWI Crackdown: Over 500 Tickets Issued To Long Island Drivers Labor Day Weekend, Police Say
DWI Crackdown: Over 500 Tickets Issued To Long Island Drivers Labor Day Weekend, Police Say Hundreds of Long Island drivers were issued tickets during the holiday weekend as part of a statewide crackdown on distracted and dangerous driving, police said. From Friday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 4, the New York State Police arrested over a dozen people for driving under the influence and handed out hundreds more tickets on Long Island, the department announced. Of the 572 tickets given, 165 of them were for speeding, 32 were for distracted driving, 12 were for child restraint or seatbelt violations, and three were for violations of the Move Over Law. The rest of the tickets were fo…

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by Sophie Grieser
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
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
News
Confession: LI Man Steals Dead Brother's Identity To Collect $160K In Disability While Working Confession: LI Man Steals Dead Brother's Identity To Collect $160K In Disability While Working
Confession: LI Man Steals Dead Brother's Identity To Collect $160K In Disability While Working A Long Island man is facing jail time after admitting that he stole his late brother’s identity in order to collect six figures worth of disability benefits while continuing to work. Stavros Tsakonis, age 61, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to identity theft and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, July 26. Prosecutors said Tsakonis received more than $160,000 in disability benefits between February 2015 and January 2023 while claiming to the US Social Security Administration that he was too disabled to work. Earlier Report: Shirley Man Stole Dead Brother's ID To Collect …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Winning $50K Lottery Ticket Sold On Long Island Winning $50K Lottery Ticket Sold On Long Island
Winning $50K Lottery Ticket Sold On Long Island Could you be the lucky winner? On Thursday, July 6, the New York Lottery reported that a Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was sold at Deer Hills Service, located at 1985 Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park. The third-prize ticket was drawn at the Wednesday, July 5 Powerball. Powerball drawings are televised every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The winning numbers are drawn from a field of one to 69, while the red Powerball is drawn from a field of one to 26. The New York Lottery has contributed $3.6 billion to support education in New York State during the 2021-2022 fiscal yea…

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by Sophie Grieser
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 NY Casting Call: Hit HBO Show Searching For Actors In NY
Casting Call: Hit HBO Show Searching For Actors In NY 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
News
Long Island Firehouse Nominated To Become Historic Site Long Island Firehouse Nominated To Become Historic Site
Long Island Firehouse Nominated To Become Historic Site A 100-year-old firehouse is one of 16 properties to be nominated by the governor to be added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. On Thursday, June 8, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Board for Historic Preservation nominated 16 sites across New York State for the State and National Registers of Historic Places, including the St. James Firehouse and its garage. The St. James Firehouse, located in the Historic District and the hamlet of the same name, was designed and built in 1923 by Lawrence Smith Butler. Ever since it has served as a firehouse for…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Illegal Oxy Scripts: Long Island Doctor Sentenced To Time Behind Bars Illegal Oxy Scripts: Long Island Doctor Sentenced To Time Behind Bars
Illegal Oxy Scripts: Long Island Doctor Sentenced To Time Behind Bars A Long Island doctor who at one time was a leading prescriber of oxycodone in New York State was sentenced to spend three years behind bars for distributing the drug to patients who did not need it. On Thursday, May 25, the US District Attorney’s Eastern District of New York announced that Dr. Frank Parasmo, a former doctor from Deer Park, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, plus three years of supervised release, for unlawfully distributing prescriptions for oxycodone. Between January 2014 and February 2015, Parasmo, aged 76, provided oxycodone and hydrocodone prescriptions to 18 patien…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Winning $50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At New Hyde Park 7-Eleven Winning $50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At New Hyde Park 7-Eleven
Winning $50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At New Hyde Park 7-Eleven Lottery officials announced that a third-prize winning lottery ticket was sold at a Long Island establishment, making one lucky person $50,000 richer. A third-prize Powerball ticket was sold at a New Hyde Park 7-Eleven, located at 1599 Hillside Avenue, according to New York Lottery officials. The ticket has four matching numbers plus the Powerball and is worth $50,000. According to officials, the winning numbers for the May 24 Powerball drawing are 12, 21, 44, 50, 58, and Powerball 26. To securely check a ticket, players can use the New York Lottery app. Draw game tickets expire one …

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by Sophie Grieser