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Westchester County, NY

Police & Fire
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn Authorities are warning residents in Dutchess, Westchester, and Putnam counties about a recent string of residential burglaries targeting Asian Americans and advising them to step up security measures.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, New York State Police said three burglaries have been reported within the past week, specifically targeting homes of Asian American residents.  In two of the incidents, burglars stole large amounts of cash and jewelry. Investigators believe these crimes follow a targeted pattern. State Police are advising all residents—particularly th…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Burning Lithium Battery Sparks Garbage Truck Fire In Westchester Burning Lithium Battery Sparks Garbage Truck Fire In Westchester
Burning Lithium Battery Sparks Garbage Truck Fire In Westchester Fire crews in Westchester responded to a garbage truck fire after workers spotted smoke coming from a lithium-ion battery from the vehicle’s load, firefighters said. The incident happened in Dobbs Ferry on Tuesday, Jan. 28, around 8 a.m., when the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department was dispatched to the Department of Public Works Garage for reports of a garbage truck fire.  Upon arrival, firefighters found that the smoke was coming from the back of the truck. After the vehicle’s load was dumped, crews discovered a burning lithium-ion battery in the middle of the pile, the department said.&nbs…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester's Playland To Open Despite Legal Battles With Operator, Officials Say Westchester's Playland To Open Despite Legal Battles With Operator, Officials Say
Westchester's Playland To Open Despite Legal Battles With Operator, Officials Say Westchester County officials are moving forward with plans to open Playland Amusement Park for the 2025 season, despite an ongoing legal dispute with operator Standard Amusements, County Executive Ken Jenkins announced. Jenkins addressed the issue during a Monday, Jan. 27 briefing, emphasizing the County’s commitment to keeping the historic Rye amusement park open. "We have long said that Playland is the crown jewel of this County," Jenkins said, adding, "Since 2018, the County has made every effort to ensure this beloved park thrives for future generations and today that commitment continu…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
New Sean Combs Doc: Former Assistant To Speak Out On History With Past Westchester Resident New Sean Combs Doc: Former Assistant To Speak Out On History With Past Westchester Resident
New Sean Combs Doc: Former Assistant To Speak Out On History With Past Westchester Resident For the first time on camera, New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs’ former assistant, Phil Pines, is breaking his silence on his history with the embattled hip hop mogul in an exclusive interview airing after the finale of an all-new bombshell docuseries.  The 30-minute sit-down with journalist Mara S. Campo premieres Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 11 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery following the finale of "The Fall Of Diddy," a four-part series that delves into the criminal allegations against the music icon. Pines, who served as Diddy’s senior executive assistant from 2019 to 2…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
ICE Looking For 2 People In Westchester, Attempting To Serve Warrants: Police ICE Looking For 2 People In Westchester, Attempting To Serve Warrants: Police
ICE Looking For 2 People In Westchester, Attempting To Serve Warrants: Police US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are attempting to serve warrants to two people with alleged criminal pasts in a Westchester County village on Tuesday, Jan. 28, police confirmed.  According to Sleepy Hollow Police Chief Anthony Bueti, around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the department was notified that ICE would be trying to serve immigration warrants to two specific people in the village.  Bueti added that ICE did not state or imply that there would be a "mass roundup" but that they were only looking for the two suspects with alleged criminal pasts.  As of 1:20 p.m…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Cafe Announces Closure, Will Shift To Delivering In Parts Of Westchester Cafe Announces Closure, Will Shift To Delivering In Parts Of Westchester
Cafe Announces Closure, Will Shift To Delivering In Parts Of Westchester A Hudson Valley culinary spot has announced a significant restructuring of its business model, which includes the closing of its cafe besides time for cooking classes and other events.  Flours Pasta & Bake Shop, located in Rockland County at 11 New Main St. in Haverstraw, announced on Thursday, Jan. 16 that it would be closing its cafe "for now."  Instead, the business will shift its focus to meal delivery to Rockland, Bergen, and parts of Westchester counties, event hosting, and other offerings, the owner said on social media. "Flours is fluid and always changing," the owner…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Over 1K Residents Without Gas For Months In Westchester Closer to Relief Thanks to $4.6M Grant Over 1K Residents Without Gas For Months In Westchester Closer to Relief Thanks to $4.6M Grant
Over 1K Residents Without Gas For Months In Westchester Closer to Relief Thanks to $4.6M Grant More than 1,000 residents of a housing complex in Westchester are one step closer to regaining full services after spending nearly five months without gas. A $4.6 million grant from Westchester County will fund critical infrastructure upgrades at the 415-unit, eight-building Palisade Towers housing complex on Schroeder Street in Yonkers, the city's Housing Authority announced. The grant, provided through the county's Public Housing Authorities Improvement program, is intended to help resolve the ongoing crisis caused by a gas leak that led Con Edison to shut off service in August. It is par…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse For New Rochelle Church, Lawsuit Says Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse For New Rochelle Church, Lawsuit Says
Yankees' Mariano Rivera, Wife, Covered Up Sexual Abuse For New Rochelle Church, Lawsuit Says Baseball icon Mariano Rivera and his wife are both named in a new lawsuit alleging that the couple did not protect a young victim from being sexually abused by members of a Westchester-based church, some of which happened at their home.  The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court in Westchester County on Thursday, Jan. 16, alleges that a child referred to as "Jane A Doe" because of her young age was sexually abused by two people affiliated with New Rochelle-based Refuge of Hope Church.  The church began as a small ministry in Rivera's home and his wife, Clara, still works a…

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by Ben Crnic
News
$50K Scheme: Former Top School Officials Spent Funds On Personal Items In Westchester, DA Says $50K Scheme: Former Top School Officials Spent Funds On Personal Items In Westchester, DA Says
$50K Scheme: Former Top School Officials Spent Funds On Personal Items In Westchester, DA Says Two former administrators at a Westchester County school district serving at-risk students have been charged with multiple public corruption offenses after using $50,000 for personal items, prosecutors announced. Rockland County resident Oliver Levy, age 55, of Stony Point, the former superintendent of the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District, and Surendra Kumar, 48, of Yonkers, a former security system specialist, were arraigned on Wednesday, Jan. 22, on charges including second- and third-degree grand larceny and corrupting the government, the Westchester County District Attorney's…

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by Ben Crnic
News
County Puts $1.2M Toward Stopping Flooding At This Westchester Locale: 'Greatly Needed' County Puts $1.2M Toward Stopping Flooding At This Westchester Locale: 'Greatly Needed'
County Puts $1.2M Toward Stopping Flooding At This Westchester Locale: 'Greatly Needed' Efforts to combat flooding at a Westchester locale are gaining momentum, thanks to a $1.2 million bond act and a partnership agreement signed by county officials.  The funds will go toward a $2.4 million effort to combat flooding at Law Memorial Park, located next to Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, Westchester County officials announced on Tuesday, Jan. 21.  The multi-million project aims to alleviate recurring flooding in the area, protecting residents and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather, officials said. The initiative, part of the Coun…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration
Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration A police department in Westchester lent several of its officers to help with safety efforts at President Donald Trump's inauguration.  Yonkers Police officers traveled to Washington, DC, to provide mutual aid and assist with safety efforts during the Trump inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, the department announced. "Honored to represent Yonkers in our nation's capital!" the department wrote in a social media post.  The officers were among a large contingent of law enforcement personnel from across the nation tasked with maintaining public safety and helping manage the influx of vi…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Massage Parlor Owners Busted For Prostitution Business In Westchester, Get Time In Prison Massage Parlor Owners Busted For Prostitution Business In Westchester, Get Time In Prison
Massage Parlor Owners Busted For Prostitution Business In Westchester, Get Time In Prison A Hudson Valley couple will spend time in federal prison for running a prostitution ring out of massage parlors in the region and New York City, officials announced.  Putnam County residents Hong Ru Lin, age 51, also known as "Bruce," and Kena Zhao, age 46, also known as "Angela," both from Putnam Valley, were each sentenced to a year and one day in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to their prostitution business, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of NY announced on Friday, Jan. 17.  According to court documents and statements from officials,&nb…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Meet Candidates For Westchester County Executive: Here's Special Election Date Meet Candidates For Westchester County Executive: Here's Special Election Date
Meet Candidates For Westchester County Executive: Here's Special Election Date The race for Westchester County Executive is heating up as Democrat Ken Jenkins and Republican Christine Sculti prepare to face off in a special election for the county's top position.  The special election, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, follows a leadership transition prompted by former County Executive George Latimer's departure to represent New York's 16th Congressional District in Washington. Jenkins, who was named County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators in early January, is currently serving in the role until the election. As a longtime public ser…

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by Ben Crnic
News
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester
How Much Snow Did You Get? Here's Rundown Of Totals From Westchester A quick-moving Nor'easter brought accumulating snowfall throughout the region Sunday night, Jan. 19 into Monday morning, Jan 20. Here's a rundown of totals from the National Weather Service. New York Nassau County 2 ENE Roosevelt 4.1 inches 1018 PM 01/19 Public Syosset 4.0 inches 1000 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter East Williston 3.9 inches 1015 PM 01/19 Public 1 W Plainview 3.9 inches 1250 AM 01/20 Public 1 ESE East Meadow 3.8 inches 1117 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter 1 ENE Glen Cove 3.8 inches 0817 AM 01/20 Public  Sea Cliff 3.6 inches 1042 PM 01/19 Public Plainview 3.2 inches 081…

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by Joe Lombardi
Real Estate
Westchester Sees Record Growth in Housing Units, New Report Finds Westchester Sees Record Growth in Housing Units, New Report Finds
Westchester Sees Record Growth in Housing Units, New Report Finds Westchester County is experiencing an unprecedented housing boom, with a new report revealing that approximately 12,500 new residential units have been completed since 2021, and another 15,000 units are currently under construction. The findings, presented by real estate brokerage RM Friedland at the annual real estate development conference hosted by the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) and the Fordham Real Estate Institute on Tuesday, Jan. 14, highlight the county's response to the national housing shortage. "The amount of residential development that has occurred in Westchester Coun…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Westchester Rep. Lawler Co-Sponsors Bill Allowing Trump To Negotiate Greenland Purchase: Report Westchester Rep. Lawler Co-Sponsors Bill Allowing Trump To Negotiate Greenland Purchase: Report
Westchester Rep. Lawler Co-Sponsors Bill Allowing Trump To Negotiate Greenland Purchase: Report Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler is one of several members of Congress who is supporting a bill that would allow President-elect Donald Trump to begin negotiations with Denmark to acquire Greenland, according to a report by Axios.  Lawler, a Republican who represents New York's 17th Congressional District, is one of about a dozen members of Congress to co-sponsor the "Make Greenland Great Again Act," which was introduced by Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, according to Axios. The 17th Congressional District consists of all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westch…

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by Ben Crnic
News
$7M Goes To Public Housing Repairs In New Rochelle, Other County Towns: Here's Where $7M Goes To Public Housing Repairs In New Rochelle, Other County Towns: Here's Where
$7M Goes To Public Housing Repairs In New Rochelle, Other County Towns: Here's Where Westchester is putting millions of dollars into improving public housing units in four municipalities, officials announced.  The funding, provided through the county's Landlord Tenant Assistance Program and announced by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins on Monday, Jan. 13, will support critical repairs and upgrades to ensure safe and modern living conditions for residents, officials said. The funds will benefit the Greenburgh Housing Authority, New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, White Plains Housing Authority, and the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Historic Landmark Faces 'Unlawful' Demolition Amid Legal Dispute In Westchester: Nonprofit Historic Landmark Faces 'Unlawful' Demolition Amid Legal Dispute In Westchester: Nonprofit
Historic Landmark Faces 'Unlawful' Demolition Amid Legal Dispute In Westchester: Nonprofit The demolition process has begun on a historic landmark in Westchester despite the county's previous efforts to preserve it and a legal challenge from local preservationists.   On Monday, Jan. 13, The Friends of the Ward House filed a petition in the New York State Supreme Court seeking to stop developer Biggest Fish Westchester LLC from continuing demolition on the historic property, which is located in Tuckahoe.  The organization claims the developer violated Tuckahoe’s Historic Preservation Law, which requires approval from the village’s Historic Preservation Commissi…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
These Popular Films, Shows Made $900K In Film Revenue For City In Westchester In 2024 These Popular Films, Shows Made $900K In Film Revenue For City In Westchester In 2024
These Popular Films, Shows Made $900K In Film Revenue For City In Westchester In 2024 A surge in filming activity in a Westchester County city resulted in a record-breaking amount of film revenue in 2024, officials announced.  According to an announcement on Monday, Jan. 13, Yonkers shined as a hub for the film and television industry, generating nearly $900,000 in film revenue in 2024.  It was the most successful year since the establishment of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Photography in 2012, city officials added.  In a statement, Mayor Mike Spano attributed this success to the "work and partnerships we’ve created to make Yonkers the region’s leading…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Gas Pump Theft Of BMW Leads To Bust At Home Depot In Westchester Gas Pump Theft Of BMW Leads To Bust At Home Depot In Westchester
Gas Pump Theft Of BMW Leads To Bust At Home Depot In Westchester Three suspects were apprehended after stealing a high-end BMW while its driver was pumping gas and attempting to sell it at a Home Depot parking lot in Westchester, police said. The incident began when a woman in Greenwich, Connecticut, had her BMW X7 stolen at a gas station as she pumped gas, the Westchester County Police Department announced on Saturday, Jan. 11.  Greenwich Police quickly identified the suspects and tracked their plan to sell the stolen vehicle at the Home Depot parking lot in Mount Pleasant.  A task force of officers from multiple agencies was assembled, inclu…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Road Rage: Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 In Westchester Gets Years In Prison Road Rage: Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 In Westchester Gets Years In Prison
Road Rage: Man Who Shot Gun At Other Driver On I-95 In Westchester Gets Years In Prison A Connecticut man who fired a gun at another motorist during a road rage incident on I-95 in Westchester County will spend over a decade in prison, officials announced.  New Haven County resident Stephen Escoffery, age 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Friday, Jan. 10 in connection with a December 2022 incident on I-95 in Harrison, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced.  According to the DA's Office, Escoffery fired a gun at another driver’s vehicle during a heated encounter on the northbound lanes of the interstate.  Pr…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade
Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade After more than a decade of dedicated service, a Westchester County Police K9 has officially retired.  K9 Madison, known for her exceptional tracking abilities, was honored on Wednesday, Jan. 8, her final day with the department.  Madison and her handler, Sgt. Hicks, have been instrumental in countless cases over the years, tracking fleeing suspects and locating lost or missing persons, the department announced on Wednesday.  Originally from Blount County, Tennessee, Madison joined the department as an 8-month-old pup. She quickly excelled in her initial 10 weeks of training…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Richard Wishnie Named Deputy Westchester County Executive After Historic Stint In Top Spot Richard Wishnie Named Deputy Westchester County Executive After Historic Stint In Top Spot
Richard Wishnie Named Deputy Westchester County Executive After Historic Stint In Top Spot Westchester has a new Deputy County Executive who just made history by serving less than a week in the top spot following George Latimer's departure for Washington.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 8, officials revealed that Richard G. Wishnie has been appointed Westchester's next Deputy County Executive.  Wishnie takes the role days after completing his stint as Acting County Executive, a position he held from Thursday, Jan. 2 to Monday, Jan. 6 when current County Executive Ken Jenkins was sworn in to the position.  Wishnie’s appointment marked the first time in …

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by Ben Crnic
Real Estate
$10M Put To Affordable Housing In Downtown Of This Westchester City $10M Put To Affordable Housing In Downtown Of This Westchester City
$10M Put To Affordable Housing In Downtown Of This Westchester City Westchester County is taking a major step forward in addressing the need for affordable housing with a $10 million allocation for the purchase of property in downtown White Plains, officials announced.  The Land Acquisition Act, signed by new County Executive Ken Jenkins on Tuesday, Jan. 7, will fund the redevelopment of two buildings located at 99 Church St. and 6 Cottage Pl. in White Plains. The project will create 108 affordable homeownership units for first-time buyers and include 89 parking spaces.  "We are continuing on our path to create as many affordable housing opportun…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Flood Damages Westchester School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes Flood Damages Westchester School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes
Flood Damages Westchester School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes A phased return to classes has been announced for students in Westchester following significant flood damage to a middle school in the county, officials said.  The flooding occurred on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, when a sprinkler system supply line in the attic of the Farragut Wing at Farragut Middle School in Hastings-on-Hudson ruptured, causing water to flow unchecked for nearly 24 hours, district officials said.  Officials added that by the time alarms were triggered and the Hastings Fire Department responded on Christmas night, Dec. 25, the damage had already permeated al…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Ken Jenkins Named Westchester County Executive Until Special Election Ken Jenkins Named Westchester County Executive Until Special Election
Ken Jenkins Named Westchester County Executive Until Special Election Westchester's Board of Legislators has named the next county executive who will serve until a special election is held in February following the departure of George Latimer for Washington.  In a special meeting held on Monday, Jan. 6, the Westchester County Board of Legislators named Ken Jenkins as County Executive.  Jenkins, the former Deputy County Executive, will serve until a Special Election on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The winner of that election will serve as County Executive through Dec. 31, 2025, completing the remainder of Latimer’s term. "I am deeply honored and humbled …

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by Ben Crnic
News
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 …

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
New Doc On Past Westchester Resident Diddy Drops Trailer: 'I Didn't Want To Be Around Him' New Doc On Past Westchester Resident Diddy Drops Trailer: 'I Didn't Want To Be Around Him'
New Doc On Past Westchester Resident Diddy Drops Trailer: 'I Didn't Want To Be Around Him' An upcoming documentary on New York native Sean 'Diddy' Combs has just released a new trailer, and it already seems like the film will shed new light on the hip hop mogul's alleged dark side.  Peacock's "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy," which will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 14, dropped its first trailer on Thursday, Jan. 2.  The film will offer a "raw, exclusive look" at the star, according to Peacock, and will also feature "never-before-seen footage and stories from those who know him best."  "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy sheds light on his childhood, rise to fame, and …

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by Ben Crnic
News
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…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
14-Year-Old Charged With Murder In Fatal Westchester Shooting 14-Year-Old Charged With Murder In Fatal Westchester Shooting
14-Year-Old Charged With Murder In Fatal Westchester Shooting A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting in Westchester that claimed the life of a 44-year-old man on New Year’s Day, police said.  The shooting happened in Yonkers on Wednesday, Jan. 1, in the area of Locust Hill Avenue, Yonkers Police announced on Thursday, Jan. 2.  Officers responded to a report of shots fired at around 3:15 p.m. and located the victim, a 44-year-old Yonkers man, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest near 98 Locust Hill Ave.  Police immediately gave the man medical help and transported him to a nearby hospital, …

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
First-Ever Acting County Executive Named In Westchester After Latimer's Departure First-Ever Acting County Executive Named In Westchester After Latimer's Departure
First-Ever Acting County Executive Named In Westchester After Latimer's Departure Following George Latimer's resignation as he heads off to Congress, Westchester has appointed its first-ever Acting County Executive.  In a historic move, Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi announced the appointment of Richard G. Wishnie, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, as Acting County Executive on Thursday, Jan. 2, following George Latimer’s resignation after seven years in the role. Wishnie’s appointment marks the first time in Westchester history that the role of Acting County Executive has been triggered. Th…

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by Ben Crnic