'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes 'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes
'Everything's Gone': Deadly LA Wildfires Destroy Hundreds of Homes, Leave Apocalyptic Scenes As a 3,000-acre wildfire that is ravaging Los Angeles rages, many, including a host of celebrities, have shared their devastating experiences on social media. The first blaze erupted late Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Since then, hundreds of homes have been reduced to ashes, entire neighborhoods destroyed, and thousands evacuated. Over 1,000 structures and 25,000 acres have been destroyed. Panicked motorists abandoned vehicles in streets as they rushed to flee the inferno. At least two additional wildfires have ignited in Los Angeles County…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
$400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To City In Westchester: Officials $400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To City In Westchester: Officials
$400K In Fraudulent Transactions Found On Account Belonging To City In Westchester: Officials Officials in Mount Vernon are working to recover $400,000 in unauthorized transactions after detecting fraudulent activity on a city account.  The City Comptroller's Office reported the unusual activity after receiving electronic notifications of suspicious transactions and fraudulent calls attempting to impersonate individuals related to the account, according to a statement released by the city on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Immediate action was taken to address the issue, and an investigation confirmed the fraudulent activity, officials said. The city soon notified the bank and was able to sto…
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, CFPB Says
Feds Finalize Rule Erasing $49 Billion In Medical Debt From Credit Scores, Cfpb Says About 15 million Americans will see their credit reports cleared of medical debt under a new rule approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has finalized a landmark rule that removes $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports, the bureau said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The regulation also prohibits lenders from using medical information in lending decisions when evaluating loan applications. The rule is expected to raise credit scores by an average of 20 points and enable the approval of 22,000 additional mortgages annually. "People …
NY Secures Second Place In Cancer Research Rankings With World-Class Hospitals NY Secures Second Place In Cancer Research Rankings With World-Class Hospitals
NY Secures Second Place In Cancer Research Rankings With World-Class Hospitals Many states in the Northeast are among the country's best in the fight against cancer, with Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland ranked as leaders, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the best state for cancer research, according to a SmileHub study released on Tuesday, Jan. 7. New York was just behind the Bay State in second place. The study, which assessed all 50 states based on metrics like clinical trials per capita and hospital quality, came as the U.S. saw more than 611,000 cancer-related deaths and nearly two million new cases in 2024. Massachusetts boasts the highes…
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK 2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK
2 Found Dead In JetBlue Landing Gear After Flight From JFK Two unidentified bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night, Jan. 6.  The airline confirmed the news in a statement released on Tuesday morning, Jan. 7, noting that the bodies were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working c…
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
22-Year-Old Killed In New Rochelle Shooting: Suspect At Large 22-Year-Old Killed In New Rochelle Shooting: Suspect At Large
22-Year-Old Killed In New Rochelle Shooting: Suspect At Large A 22-year-old man was fatally shot at a public housing complex in Westchester, prompting an active investigation, police announced.  New, updated report - ID Released Of 22-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting: Suspects Caught, Police Say (UPDATE) The shooting happened on the morning of Monday, Jan. 6, at the Heritage Homes complex on the block between Horton and Lincoln Avenues and Brook Street to Dewitt Avenue, according to New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne.   Officers found the victim, a Mount Vernon resident, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Poli…
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …
Midnight Miracle: Westchester’s First Baby of 2025 Arrives On New Year's Day Midnight Miracle: Westchester’s First Baby of 2025 Arrives On New Year's Day
Midnight Miracle: Westchester’s First Baby of 2025 Arrives On New Year's Day The first baby of 2025 in Westchester County has arrived, and her debut is nothing short of special. Baby Shela Yohana was born at 12:17 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow.  Delivered by a midwife from Open Door Family Medical Center, Shela weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, hospital officials said. Her mother, Zenaida Pacheco Villeda of Armonk, proudly posed for a photo with her new bundle of joy, marking a heartwarming start to the year for their family and Westchester County. Congratulations to Zenaida and her family on the safe arrival …
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …
MURDER-SUICIDE: Newly-Retired NYSP Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy MURDER-SUICIDE: Newly-Retired NYSP Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy
Murder-suicide: Newly-Retired Nysp Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy A New Jersey man and newly-retired New York State Police employee was shot and killed by his neighbor in Upstate New York who then killed his wife, and then himself, in a post-Christmas tragedy, according to officials and those who loved him. Thomas K. Fusco, 65, who was born in Passaic and raised in Saddle Brook, was found dead from a gunshot wound when New York State Police responded to a shooting at 10 Sunset Point Yankee Lake in Mamakating at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 26, New York State Police said.  Police executing a search warrant at a neighbor's house found the bodies of…
Retired Westchester School Employee Battling Stage 4 Cancer: Family Asks For Support Retired Westchester School Employee Battling Stage 4 Cancer: Family Asks For Support
Retired Westchester School Employee Battling Stage 4 Cancer: Family Asks For Support The family of a retired Westchester school employee is reaching out to the community for help as they raise funds for a life-saving treatment that could extend her battle against stage 4 lung cancer. Carolyn State, a retired Yonkers public school transportation clerk of over 25 years and a beloved mother of two, is facing a critical health battle as her family seeks financial support for a treatment not available in the United States.  According to her daughter Krista, Carolyn was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer six months after the sudden passing of her husband, John, in July 2021.…
Rabid Kitten: Health Officials Seek More People Exposed To Disease In Westchester (UPDATE) Rabid Kitten: Health Officials Seek More People Exposed To Disease In Westchester (UPDATE)
Rabid Kitten: Health Officials Seek More People Exposed To Disease In Westchester (Update) Westchester County health officials are urging anyone who may have had contact with a rabid black kitten dropped off at a county animal hospital in December to seek medical advice immediately.  The county's Department of Health is continuing to investigate potential rabies exposure after a kitten found near Locust Hill Avenue and Overlook Terrace in Yonkers tested positive for the virus.  The kitten was dropped off at Yonkers Animal Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 12, by two individuals who later returned to check on the animal. Health officials have since confirmed that the man a…
Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack
Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Chestnut Hill College and Holmdel High School are mourning the loss of alumnus Billy DiMaio ’22, a standout lacrosse captain and respected community leader, who was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1. DiMaio, 24, of Holmdel, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. As captain of the college’s lacrosse team in his senior year, he was known for his leadership, determination, and positive influence on teammates and peers. Posted by Billy Dimaio on Monday, July 31, 2023 "We are devastat…
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone'
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' A New York native who was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans is being remembered for his positive spirit. Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was shot to death in the ensuing chaos after an Army veteran rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers in the city’s French Quarter at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, relatives revealed on GoFundMe. “On January 1, 2025, our lives were shattered…” Tenedorio’s cousin’s Greg and Christina Bounds wrote on the fundraiser, created to help the family with funeral expenses. “Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and f…
Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says
Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says Federal officials have released more information about a small plane crash on Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT, and Westchester, NY counties.   The information, which centered on a fatal plane crash on I-684 on Thursday, Dec. 12, was released in a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Rockland County resident and commercial pilot Jacob Yankele Friedman of Monsey, age 32, was killed in the crash, while the 26-year-old private pilot, Kalmen Goldberger, of Linden, NJ, was hospitalized with serious injuries. On the night…
Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day
Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day A police department in Westchester is mourning both its former commissioner and a sergeant whose deaths were announced on the same day. The deaths of former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott and Sergeant Murashea Bovell were announced by the department on Wednesday, Jan. 1.  The department did not release more information about their causes of death. Mount Vernon Director of Communications Tim Allen also did not release more information on Thursday, Jan. 2.  Scott retired from his position as Commissioner in May 2023 after three years on the job. Du…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, along with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, and Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler were in New Orleans hours before the deadly pickup truck attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Dunne, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, shared photos on social media of herself, Skenes, and Chandler enjoying the New Orleans nightlife. In one image, the group is seen inside a bar, smiling and seemingly enjoying their evening. Shortly after, Dunne posted another photo of New Orleans with a broken heart emoji, indicating h…
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Jeremi Sensky, a 51-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, survived the New Orleans attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1, despite being struck by the vehicle and suffering severe injuries. Sensky, who uses a wheelchair, was struck by the pickup truck during the attack in the French Quarter, breaking both legs and ejecting him from his chair, his daughter Heaven Sensky Kirsch told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 2. “By the grace of God, he is alive,” Heaven said. “He’s currently in surgery. I want people to know my dad is alive, full of life, resilient, and I’m sure he’l…
Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death
Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death Authorities released new details in a mass shooting outside a New York music venue late on New Year's Day that injured nearly a dozen victims. The shooting occurred in Queens, at the Amazura event venue near 143rd Street and 91st Avenue in Jamaica, at around 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. NYPD officials said several people were waiting to enter the venue when three to four gunmen opened fire, hitting six female and four male victims. All of the victims were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive, police said. At the time shots rang out, the venue was hosting a memorial service …
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Ryan Quigley, a 2020 Princeton University graduate and former classmate and coworker of Tiger Bech, was injured in the deadly New Orleans pickup truck attack early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Quigley, a Lansdale Catholic High School graduate from the Class of 2016, was hospitalized following the attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, including Bech’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Quigley and Bech both worked at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, a financial services firm in New York, and had remained close since their time at Princeton. Ryan Quigley Facebook/Ryan Quigley @ryan.quigley.3…
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Authorities are investigating a deadly explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The explosion claimed the life of one individual and left seven others injured, prompting a joint inquiry by local law enforcement and the FBI. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, ABC News and CNN are reporting. The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, near the hotel’s valet area.  Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a fire that engulfed the vehicle. First responders quickly arrived…
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton University football player and All-Ivy League kick returner Tiger Bech was among the victims killed in a deadly pickup truck attack in New Orleans' French Quarter early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Bech, a 2019 Princeton graduate and standout receiver, was in New Orleans for the holidays when the attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. CT, authorities said. The incident left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. The driver of the vehicle, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42 of Texas, was killed in a firefight with police shortly after the attack, according to the FBI. Investigato…
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver 42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver This story has been updated. An Army veteran has been identified as the man authorities say rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans early on New Year's Day morning, leaving 15 people dead and injuring approximately 35 others. Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, age 42, who was killed in a shootout with police officers after the incident at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 on Bourbon Street, was a US citizen born in Texas, where he lived at the time of the incident, the FBI said. The Ford truck, rented through an auto sharing company, displayed an ISIS flag on the tr…
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd This story has been updated. A pickup truck intentionally rammed into a New Year's crowd on New Orlean's Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, according to authorities. Click here for a new, updated story: Army Vet ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver; FBI Searching For Other Suspects The incident in the city's French Quarter happened early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called the driver's actions, "very intentional," saying, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”  The man also sho…
Westchester Woman Knighted By France For Restoring Historic House In County Westchester Woman Knighted By France For Restoring Historic House In County
Westchester Woman Knighted By France For Restoring Historic House In County A Hartsdale woman who led the restoration of a Revolutionary War-era house is set to receive one of France’s highest civilian honors for preserving a key symbol of the Franco-American alliance.  Susan Seal, a Hartsdale resident, has been appointed to the rank of Knight in France's National Order of Merit, the second-highest honor awarded to civilians by the French government, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner announced on Tuesday, Dec. 31.  According to Feiner, Seal’s recognition comes in light of her efforts to restore and preserve the historic Odell House Rochambeau Headqua…